Sleeping Coatbridge woman woke to find midnight intruder staring into her bedroom

A woman in Coatbridge was left terrified after waking up to find a midnight intruder staring into her bedroom, Airdrie Sheriff Court heard this week. The intruder, identified as David Dillon, had unlawfully entered the woman’s unlocked house and taken keys. The 32-year-old accepted responsibility for a series of thefts in Coatbridge that occurred between May 15 and 16 last year.

Kevin Morrow, the prosecutor, revealed that the woman was awoken by a noise around midnight and discovered Dillon standing in the hallway, peering into her bedroom. When questioned, Dillon grunted and left. It was later found that keys had been stolen from the premises. Additionally, another resident in Islay Way observed Dillon walking into their house during the daytime, prompting a chase. Dillon fled the scene, leaving behind various items that did not belong to the homeowner.

Further investigations unveiled that Dillon had also stolen items from unlocked cars in different locations. Police were able to capture Dillon after reviewing Ring doorbell and CCTV footage. At the time of the crimes, Dillon was already under three bail orders and had a history of prior convictions.

During court proceedings, Dillon’s defence lawyer, Roberto Manini, informed the court that Dillon is presently residing in homeless accommodation in Glasgow and is actively participating in a drug treatment and testing programme. Despite the evidence against him, Dillon claimed to have no memory of the incidents. Sheriff Derek Livingston postponed sentencing for further assessment and background reports.

The alarming incident serves as a reminder for residents to ensure their homes are securely locked, especially during the night, to prevent unauthorised access and potential theft. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.

Insights and Summary: The safety and security of personal belongings and properties are paramount, as demonstrated by the unfortunate incident involving David Dillon in Coatbridge. The case highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard one’s home against potential intruders. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals to remain vigilant and enhance security measures to prevent similar occurrences. Vigilance and proactive security measures are key in deterring criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents and their belongings.